Medical Spanish Video Lesson: Back Pain

Doctor Lozano is meeting patients, and who walks through the door? Our favorite worry wart, Dolores. (Dolor means “pain” in Spanish, by the way). This time, she is complaining and complaining about back pain. The wise old doctor suspects that it’s more about the attention than the pain, so he recommends a harsh treatment that has a miraculous effect.

Read the transcript here:

¿Cómo está Dolores?How are you, Dolores?

Muy mal, me duele la parte baja de la espalda, no me puedo enderezar. Creo que sufro de lumbalgia, que es un dolor en la región inferior de la espalda que a veces se extiende hasta las caderas, la cual puede ser consecuencia de una contractura muscular. Pero, no sé cómo la contraje porque yo no practico deportes, es que soy tan débil, doctor.Very bad. My lower back hurts and I can’t walk straight. I think I suffer from “lumbalgia” which is a pain in the lower back that sometimes extends up to the hips; it can be caused by a muscle spasm. But I do not know how I contracted it, because I do not play sports. I am too weak for that Doctor.

A ver, veamos. Ya, le recomiendo que tome un analgésico como el diclofenaco y que haga sesiones de estiramiento de la espalda.Let’s see, let’s see. Ok, I recommend you to take some painkillers such as diclofenac and do some stretching sessions for the back.

Este, gracias, doctor. Creo que solo compraré unos analgésicos en la farmacia donde siempre me ofrecen descuentos por ser tan buena cliente y haré estiramientos. Hasta luego.Ok, thank you, doctor. I think I will just buy some painkillers from the pharmacy I always go to; they offer me a discount because I am such a good customer and I also will stretch. See you later.

These videos offer a lighthearted glimpse at a very serious subject. If you work in healthcare, please know that we offer an introductory course in Spanish for healthcare workers. The course is not overly technical, but will provide you with the tools to meet with Spanish speaking patients in a clinical setting.